Successful advocacy strategies that brought about a solarium ban in Victoria (#1016)

In the decade up to 2006, there was a 500% increase in the number of solariums in Melbourne. 281 cases of melanoma and 43 deaths are caused by solariums in Australia every year.

Aim:

To advocate to the State Government of Victoria to enable an outright ban of all commercial sunbeds in Victoria.

Strategy/Tactics:

A range of advocacy and communication techniques were implemented including partnership development, media relations, grassroots campaigning, as well as digital media tactics to secure public and government support for a solarium ban.

After the announcement of a ban in New South Wales, a media event provided an opportunity to send the Minister for Health a letter signed by 161 clinicians from the Cancer Council Victoria’s Clinical Network (a representative oncology forum in Victoria) calling on the Victorian government to ban solariums.

A new coalition, ‘Switch off Solariums’ (SOS), was also formed comprising of five health groups including Cancer Council Victoria, the Australian Medical Association Victorian Branch, Skin & Cancer Foundation Inc. and the Victorian Faculty of the Australasian College of Dermatologists. The SOS coalition co-signed a petition letter that was published on the change.org website calling on members of the public to show their support for a ban in Victoria. The coalition also sent letters to all Victorian Members of Parliament, urging them to support the introduction of a ban.

The Greens, an Australian political party, agreed to support the campaign and put forward a motion in parliament calling on the legislation to ban solariums. Both major parties supported the motion.

Programme/Policy Process:

On 13 December 2012, the Premier announced a solarium ban for Victoria.

Outcomes/What was learned:

The key to success was utilising a long-term, comprehensive advocacy strategy, incorporating research and powerful personal stories, and working in partnership with other organisations to form a united front.